Classic Metal Works - 50229 - Truck, IH Metro Van - United States Postal Service

Specific Item Information: Shown as new in the 2003 Walthers N^Z Reference Book page 287.

Model Information: International Harvest Metro Van

Prototype History: The Metro was conceived as a route delivery van or utility rig with ample room for cargo and an emphasis on maneuverability. The original 1939 Metro was based on the International D-series light-truck chassis and was offered with a short 102-inch wheelbase or a long 113-inch wheelbase. International didn't manufacture the Metro's body--that was left up to the Metropolitan Body Co. in Bridgeport, Connecticut. While modern step-van bodies are built from aluminum, the Metro's double-wall shell was fashioned from steel with an air space between inner and outer panels as well as insulation hidden above the inside ceiling.

In the rear was the "Metro Magic" overhead door that was weighted to stay open at any height. Buyers could also opt for double barn-style swinging doors, which opened wide to accommodate larger items in the Metro's cargo bay.

In the cockpit, controls and gauges were minimal. On the instrument panel, two round bezels housed a gauge cluster and a speedometer. To the driver's left, there was a manual choke and throttle as well as a dome lamp switch. To his right, a switch for the exterior lights, an ignition key and starter button. Both the handbrake and the shift lever were long enough to reach from the driver's seat (which was more of a stool, really, with a curved back), while the big steering wheel was high and oddly angled to afford the driver unobstructed access through the sliding side door during deliveries. Some practicality was even built into the Metro's engine cover: It was topped with a ribbed tray that had a slight edge around the circumference to serve as a place for packages or a driver's clipboard.

Road Name History: The United States Postal Service (USPS; also known as the Post Office, U.S. Mail, or Postal Service) is an independent agency of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the United States, including its insular areas and associated states. It is one of the few government agencies explicitly authorized by the United States Constitution.

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Brand/Importer Information: Focused on the production of HO and N Scale post World War II to 1970s era North American vehicles, the Sylvania, Ohio based Classic Metal Works was founded in 1997, by William J. Giacci.
Primarily constructed out of die-cast metal, Mini Metals CMW products are factory assembled and decorated.
In May 2017, Classic Metal Works and Mini Metals product ranges have been taken over by Round 2 Corp.

Note: The following CMW stock numbers have not been used, breaking the linearity of the numbering: 50313 to 50315, 50362 to 50364, 51154 to 51163